Electrode construction for a laundry dryer



Nov. 1, 1966 F. F. MUELLER ETAL 3,281,953

ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Filed Nov. 13, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet l floyd F/Waa Owen, E CZcz Paaz 153. V4)" c/z Jo zn 62 fi/zuizorz,

Nov. 1, 1966 F. F. MUELLER ETAL 3,281,953

ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Filed Nov. 13, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 1, 1966 F. F. MUELLER ETAL 3,

ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Filed NOV. 13, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 lllllllf w; IIHlllHIIIIIHIIHHIHIHIIIH HIWHI! 4;

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ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Filed Now-13, 1962 F. F. MUELLER ETAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 fiZZ/GRZO/i flayai f aelsr, 060672 E fiiwiarz/ PazzZ E. Karma/L6 Ja/Qr'z/d 5724mm Nov 1 1966 F. F. MUELLER ETAL 3, ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Filed Nov. 13, 1962 5 Sh t ee s-Sheet 5 43 i mg -11? United States Patent 3,281,953 ELECTRODE CONSTRUCTHON FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER Floyd F. Mueller, Owen E. Clayton, Paul R. Virnoche, Jr.,

and John A. himon, Two Rivers, Wis., assignors to Hamilton Manufacturing Company, Two Rivers, Wis.,

a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Nov. 13, 1962, Ser. N 237,090 4 Claims. (Cl. 3445) This invention relates to laundry dryers, and more particularly to an electrode construction for use in a dryer having an electronic dryness control system directly responsive to the moisture content of the laundry.

Various types of control systems have been developed for laundry dryers for controlling the period in which the heaters are energized and for terminating the drying operation. Some of these utilize various types of timing mechanisms for controlling the time during which the heaters are energized as well as the total cycle of operation. Other systems employ temperature sensitive devices in the exhaust air stream from the dryer as the sole control means or as an additional control to a timer. However, precise control of the final shut-off as well as the intermittent periods of deenergization of the heaters may vary with different types of laundry being dried. Consequently, for a given dryness setting, considerable variance of the degree of dryness between different loads of laundry may occur.

More recently, dryer control systems have been developed which respond directly to the moisture content of the laundry being dried for controlling the operation of the dryer. One such system utilizes the increasing electrical resistance characteristic of the laundry as it dries out to decrease the magnitude of an electric current that is passed through the laundry. The circuit carrying such current is connected to a control system which responds to a decrease in such current to shut down the dryer. It thus becomes apparent that effective operation of a drye employing the foregoing type of control system requires an electrode arrangement which at all times assures contact between the laundry and the electrode during the drying operation. Other control systems may require a similar electrode arrangement.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the invention to provide a novel electrode arrangement and electrical circuit for a dryer employing an electrical control system directly responsive to the moisture content of the laundry.

A more particular object is to provide a novel electrode construction for the drum of a laundry dryer employing a dryness control system, the electrode construction at all times providing an electrical contact between some portion of the laundry being dried.

A specific object is to provide a novel electrode construction of plate-like form for use in a laundry dryer of the foregoing character, the electrode construction being mounted adjacent the inner surface of the peripheral side wall of the drum so as to engage some part of the laundry at all times.

A further object is to provide an electrode construction for the drum of a laundry dryer employing a dryness control system, and a novel electrical circuit for the electrode construction extending through the drum support and drive for connection with the control system.

Still another object is to provide an electrode construction for the drum of a laundry dryer of the foregoing character, and an electrical circuit therefor including a novel commutator for connecting the circuit to the control system.

A further object is to provide a novel baffle construction providing an electrode for use in a laundry dryer of the foregoing character.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying sheets of drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the rotatable drum and drive of a laundry dryer employing an electrode construction and an electrical circuit embodying the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view on a larger scale with a portion broken away to show internal structural details of the loading end of the drum shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevational view of a portion of the left or drive end of the drum as illustrated in FIG. 1;

' FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 3 and showing an alternate electrode construction embodying the features of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view showing another electrode construction embodying the features of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line Ill-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, showing still another electrode construction embodying the features of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 12-.12 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view on a reduced scale of a dryer drum having an alternate arrangement of the electrode construction illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, such arrangement comprising another embodiment of the invention.

Laundry dryers of the type herein contemplated are adapted for use in the home and generally include an outer cabinet or housing which serves to enclose a rotatable drum and the other parts of the dryer. The drum comprises a cylindrical housing having a peripheral side wall and end walls. The drum is disposed with its longitudinal axis horizontal, and the rear wall of the drum includes a hub secured to a shaft which is rotatably mounted on a support in the rear of the cabinet and through which the drum is driven. The front wall of the drum is provided with a central opening, and the front wall of the cabinet has a door providing access to the opening in the drum to permit loading and unloading of the dryer. Such a dryer also includes a plurality of battles secured to the inner surface of the peripheral side Wall of the drum and extending radially inwardly therefrom. The bafiles are adapted to engage laundry in the drum and tumble it Within the drum during rotation thereof.

A dryer as herein contemplated also employs a control system that is directly responsive to the moisture content of the laundry. Such a control system is mounted in the dryer cabinet externally of the drum and utilizes the varying electrical resistance of the laundry, as it becomes progressively dried, to control the operation of the dryer. To do this, the control system is grounded to the dryer and supplies through a circuit an electric current to the laundry which is in contact with the drum, the latter being grounded. Thus, as the electrical conductivity of the laundry is reduced because of the drying, the amount of current flowing in the circuit is also reduced. The con trol system responds to a diminishing current and when the current falls below a predetermined value, the dryer is shut down. The shut down point is adjustable for varying the degree of dryness of the laundry as desired.

With the foregoing arrangement, a suitable electrode construction or means is provided within the drum to transmit the current from the control system to the laundry being dried. In addition, a circuit is provided for conducting the current from the control system external of the drum to the electrode construction within the drum.

A laundry dryer embodying the features of the present invention includes an electrode construction mounted in the drum adjacent the inner surface of the peripheral side wall of the drum for transmitting current from the control system to the laundry and thence to the grounded drum. The electrode construction is generally of plateli ke form. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrode construction comprises an insulated plate secured to the forward or laundry engaging face of the baffle. In another embodiment, the entire baffle is insulated from the drum and constitutes an electrode. In still another embodiment, an elongated angle plate is mounted in an insulating block, the block being secured to the inner surface of the peripheral side wall of the drum. In a fourth embodiment of the invention, an elongated strip of conducting material is plated on an elongated insulating block similar to a printed circuit, the block also being secured to the side wall of the drum. In a still further embodiment of the invention, an elongated strip of conducting material and supporting insulating block similar to that of the preceding embodiment is arranged so as to extend circumferentially of the peripheral side wall of the drum.

A novel electric circuit is also contemplated for transmitting the current from the control system to the electrode. Such a circuit includes a radially extending wire connected at its outer end to the electrode. If a plurality of electrodes are provided, the inner ends of the radially extending wires are connected to each other and to another wire at the hub of the drum. The latter or common wire extends outwardly of the drum through the hub and shaft, which in this instance are hollow, and is connected to the rotating part of a commutator disposed adjacent the drum support. The commutator includes a stationary brush coacting with the rotating part and connected to the dryness control system located in the dryer cabinet.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, a rotatable drum 10 of a dryer of the type herein contemplated is illustrated. Such a drum is made of sheet metal and is mounted with its axis horizontal and includes a cylindrical side wall 11 and front and rear walls 12 and 13, respectively. The front Wall 12 is provided with a central loading opening defined by an annular axially outwardly extending flange 14. The rear wall 13 may be provided with an inwardly dished portion 16 (FIGS. 3 and within the concavity of which a hub 17 is located.

A shaft assembly 18 is connected at its inner end to the hub 17 to support the left or rear end of the drum 10. The shaft assembly 18 thus includes a tubular shaft 21 having its inner end extending into and secured to the hub 17. The shaft assembly 18 is sufiiciently long to extend axially outwardly through an opening 22 in a partition 23 in the cabinet at the rear of the drum 10. The shaft 21 is rotatably mounted in bearings 24, the latter being enclosed by a tubular sleeve 25, the shaft 21 extending rearwardly beyond the sleeve 25. The opening 22 has a diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the sleeve 25 so that the latter, and consequently the shaft 21, is supported by the partition 23 and a support structure 26 which includes an angle bar 64 secured to the outer side of the partition 23.

The sleeve 25 is shown as being secured to the support structure 26 by a U-bolt or shackle 27 having its arms 28 extending upwardly around the sleeve 25 and through a horizontal plate 29, the latter being part of the support structure 26. The upper ends of the arms 28 are threaded to receive nuts 31 which engage the plate 29. Shims or spacers 32 may be inserted between the sleeve 25 and plate 29 to adjust the position of the drum 10.

Rotation of the drum 10 is achieved by a pulley 33, secured to the rear end of the shaft 21. The pulley 33 is driven by a belt 34 which passes around the pulley 33 and another pulley (not shown) driven by an electric motor (also not shown). The drum 10, support 26, and the other components of the dryer are enclosed in a cabinet, a portion of the rear wall of which is indicated fragmentarily at 35 in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the peripheral sidewall 11 of the drum in this instance is shown as being formed from a piece of sheet metal which is bent into a cylinder with its end edges overlapped as at 38 (FIG. 2) and so retained by means of a plurality of metal screws 36 passing throught a tie-bar 37 and the overlapped end edges. The end walls 12 and 13 of the drum 10 may be similarly formed of sheet metal to the diameter of the cylindrical wall 11 and are secured to the cylindrical wall.

The rear wall 13 of the drum 10 is supported by a spider including the hub 17 and a plurality of radially extending arms 42 disposed on the outer side of the wall 13. Each arm 42 is rigidly secured at its outer end to the rear wall 13 by a tie-bolt 43 which extends axially through the rear and front walls 13 and 12 and holds them in assembled relation with the cylindrical wall 11. In the present instance, the heads of the bolts 43 abut the arms 42 and the opposite ends of the bolts are threaded into nuts 44 which engage the outer side of the front wall 12. As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the arms 42 extend substantially radially for the major portion of their length and then extend angularly inwardly, as at 46, toward the hub 17 within the concavity 16 of the rear wall 13.

In order to impart a tumbling action to the laundry being dried in the drum 10, baffie means i provided. Such bafile means, in the present instance, comprises three circumferentially spaced axially extending U-shaped baffies 81 (FIG. 2) made of sheet metal and having front and rear sidewalls 82 and 83, the marginal edges of which are folded inwardly and overlap to provide a double thickness base wall 84. The bafiles 81 are secured at their base walls 84 to the inner side of the cylindrical side wall 11 by sheet metal screws. The baffies 81 are also supported in the drum 10 by the tie-bolts 43 which extend through the interior of the baffies 81 and serve to hold the end walls 12 and 13 in engagement with the end edges of the baffles. As will be apparent from FIG. 2, the sidewalls 82 and 83 of the baffles are inclined in a direction opposite to that of the rotation of the drum 10, which is indicated by arrows in FIG. 2. Such inclination permits the laundry to slide off the baffie as the latter approaches its uppermost position during rotation of the drum. The laundry will thus be caused to fall across the diameter of the drum and thereby obtain maximum exposure to the drying air currents in the drum.

A dryer with which the present invention is utilized is provided with a dryness control system which is directly responsive to the moisture content of the laundry and which controls the final shutdown of the dryer when the laundry reaches a predetermined degree of dryness. Such a system, whichforms no part of the present invention, contemplates the provision of an electrode construction which will at all times assure contact with the laundry.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, one structural arrangement of an elect-rode construction or means for use with the foregoing type of dryness control system and embodying the features of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an elongated plate 91 of electrically conductive material and constituting an electrode is mounted on the outer surface of the forward or laundry engaging side wall 82 of each baflle 81. Each plate 91 is provided with a narrow peripheral flange 92 therearound imparting a shallow dished configuration to the plate. Each plate 91 is arranged with its flange 92 disposed toward the baffie 8 1 for engagement with a piece of insulating material 93 disposed between the baflle and the plate. Thus, a space 94 is defined between the insulating material 93 and the plate 91. Each plate 91 and its insulation 93 are secured to the forward sidewall 82 of the bafile 81 by means of a pair of metal screws 96 which are seated in insulating bushings 97, the screws 96 being threaded into the sidewall 82. The electrodes or plates 91 serve to conduct current from the dryness control system to laundry in the drum being dried, the current thereafter passing through the laundry to the drum, which is grounded.

In order to provide a path for the flow of current from the control system to the plates 91, an electrical circuit is provided. Such circuit in the present instance, comprises three radially extending wires 98 disposed at the rear of the drum 10. Each wire 98 is provided with a termnal 101 (FIG. 3) at one end thereof and secured to the inner face of the electrode plate 91. As will be apparent from FIG. 3, a portion of the end of each wire 98 is disposed in the space 94, the wire extending inwardly into the hollow interior of the baffle 81 through an opening 102 in the sidewall 82 of the baffle. Each wire 98 then extends axially through the interior of the baffie 81 toward the rear wall 13 of the drum 1t and through another opening 183 in the rear wall 13 and thence radially inwardly along an adjacent arm 42 of the spider toward the hub 17. A tubular sleeve 164 of insulating and wear resistant material may be provided on each wire 98 at its point of passage through the openings 193 to prevent fraying and shorting. Each wire 98 is held in close proximity to the side of the arm 42 as by heat resistant tape 106 (FIG. 2) which is wrapped around the wire 98 and arm 42 pref erably at a point closely adjacent the hub 17.

In the proximity of the hub 17, the inner ends of the wires 98 from the three baffles are joined together by a connector 107 and to another or common wire 108 which extends into the open inner end of the tubular shaft 21. The wire 108 extends axially outwardly through the shaft 21, then radially along the outer face of the pulley 33, and thence axially through an opening 111 in the pulley 33. The end of the wire 108 is provided with a connector 112 which engages a terminal lug 113 (FIGS. 4, 5, and 6) formed from a bent portion of the material of a metal plate 114 mounted on one side of an insulating plate member 115. As will be apparent from FIG. 4, the plate 114 is preferably square so that it may be cut or sheared from a strip of material, and the terminal lug 113 is formed by partially shearing and bending one corner of the plate 114.

The metal plate 114 and insulating plate 115 are mounted on the shaft 21 for rotation therewith, with the metal plate 114 on the inner side of the insulating plate 115. In order to prevent relative movement between the plates 114 and 115 and the shaft 21, the insulating plate 115 is provided with a central opening 116 to fit on the shaft 21, and the opening 116 is provided with a flat portion which engages a flat on the shaft 21. The metal plate 114 has a central opening 119 of greater diameter than the shaft 21, and a thrust washer 120 is mounted on the shaft between the hub of the pulley 33 and a flange on the outer bearing 24.

With this arrangement, the metal plate 114 is insulated from the shaft 21 and pulley 33.

Current from the control system is transmitted to the plate 114 by a brush assembly 121. The brush assembly 121 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) comprises an inverted L-shaped bracket 122 secured as by a pair of screws 110 and 123 to the horizontal flange, indicated at 65, of the angle support bar 64, so that the longer leg, indicated at 124, of the bracket 122 extends downwardly. A strip of insulating material 125 is riveted to the lower end of the leg 124 and projects to one side thereof, and a second strip of electrically conductive material 126 is riveted to the projecting portion of the strip 125 (FIG. 6). The strip 126 is bent outwardly toward the plate 114 and is provided with a carbon button or contact 127 which engages the plate 114 and provides an electrical connection therewith. A portion of the strip 126 at the end attached to the insulating strip 125 is bent outwardly to provide a tab or terminal lug 128 to which a connector (not shown) may be attached, the connector carrying the current from the dryness control system. In order to permit adjustment of the position of the carbon button or contact 127 with respect to the plate 114 to assure contact therebetween, the shorter leg, indicated at 129, of the bracket 122 is provided with a slot 130 through which the screw 123 extends. The bracket 122 may thus be pivoted about the screw 110 and retained in an adjusted position by tightening the screw 123 in its slot 130. The brush assembly 121 and plate 114 thus comprise a commutator for supplying current from the dryness control system to the wire 1G8 and thence to the electrodes 91. The current then passes through the laundry so long as it is moist, and thereby is grounded through the drum 10.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, another electrode construction or means for transmitting current to the laundry in the drum 10 is illustrated. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the entire baflle, indicated at 131, comprises an electrode and is electrically insulated from the cylindrical wall 11, and front and rear walls 12 and 14 of the drum 10. The baffles 131 are identical in crosssectional configuration to the baffles 81. In order to electrically insulate each baflie 131 from the drum 10, cup-shaped end caps 132 of non-conducting material enclose the end edges of the baffles 131. The end edges of the baffles 131 are thus insulated from the end walls 12 and 13.

In order to insulate the base of each baffle 131 from the cylindrical wall 11, a strip of insulating material 134 is interposed between the base of the baffle and the inner surface of the side wall 11. To secure each bafile 131 to the side wall 11, another strip of insulating material 137 is provided in the interior of each baffle 131, and fasteners such as metal screws extend through the strip 134 and are threaded into the strip 137. The base portion of each baffle 131 is provided with enlarged openings to permit the screws 135 to extend t'herethrough without contacting the baffle.

With the foregoing construction, it will be apparent that the bafiles 131 are electrically insulated from the remainder of the drum 10, and, because they are of sheet metal which is electrically conductive, the entire surface of each baffle serves as an electrode for conducting the current from the electrical control system to the laundry.

Because the entire surface of the baflles 131 are utilized as an electrode, the wires 98 which supply current thereto are secured to the inner surface of the baflles 131, as at 138, preferably at a point closely adjacent the rear wall 13.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, another electrode construction 141 for transmitting current to the laundry in the drum 10 is illustrated. The drum 10 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is similar to the previous embodiments in that three circumferentially spaced baffles 140, similar to the bafiles 81 of FIGS. 2 and 3, are employed for tumbling the laundry. While only one bafile 140 and one electrode 141 are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, it will be understood that three circumferentially spaced baflles 140 are mounted on the inner side of the peripheral wall 11, and at least one electrode 141 and preferably three are mounted on the wall 11 in spaced relation from the bafiles.

Each electrode means 141, in this instance, comprises an elongated plate 142 bent into an angle and of electrically conductive material mounted in an elongated bar 143 of insulating material so that the apex, indicated at 144, of the angle of the plate 142 is disposed toward the center of the drum. In order to provide a mounting for the plate 142, each insulating bar 143 includes a pair of longitudinally extending inclined grooves 145 which receive and embed marginal portions 146 of the plate 142 therein. The grooves 145 have a depth such that, when the marginal portions 146 are mounted therein, an elongated triangular space 147 is formed between the bend of the plate 142 and the face of the insulating bar 143.

Each electrode 141 is mounted on the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 of the drum so that the electrode is spaced from the baffles 140. Preferably, each electrode 141 is equidistant circumferentially from the bafiles 81 at opposite sides thereof. Each electrode 141 is secured to the inner side of the wall 11 by means of screws 149 which pass through openings in the wall 11 and are threaded into the bar 147.

Current from the control system is supplied to each electrode 141 by a wire 98 in the manner of the previous embodiments. Thus, each wire 98 extends radially outwardly from the hub 17 toward an opening 148 in the rear end wall 13 and thence axially inwardly through the opening 148 into the space 147 to a connection 150 with the angle plate 142. A tubular sleeve 104 of insulating and wear resistant material may be provided on each wire 98 at its point of passage through the opening 148 in the manner of the previous embodiments.

The electrodes 142 of each electrode means 141 function in the same manner as the electrodes of the previous embodiments in that current from the control system is transmitted through the angle plate 142 and thence to the laundry.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, another electrode construction 151 is illustrated for transmitting current to laundry in the drum 10. The electrode 151 is similar to the electrode 141 in that the former is also secured to the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 in spaced relation from a bafile 140. At least one and preferably three electrodes 151 are provided around the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 in the manner of the previous embodiment.

Each electrode 151 comprises an elongated sheet or strip of electrically conductive material 152, such as copper, platinum or silver. The strip of conductive material 152 is mounted on and secured to an elongated sheet 153 of insulating material preferably by being plated thereon or bonded thereto in the manner employed in making printed circuits.

The bar 153 and consequently the electrode 152 is mounted on the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 by means of screws 149 in the manner of the previous embodiment, so that each electrode 151 extends axially of the drum between the front and rear walls 12 and 13, respectively, and in circumferentially spaced relation from adjacent bafiles 140.

Current from the control system is transmitted to the electrode plate 152 by a wire 98 which extends radially outwardly from the hub 17 and thence through an opening 154 in the rear wall 13 to a connection 156 on the under side of the plate 152. To this end, the insulating bar 153 may be cut out or axially grooved as at 157 adjacent the opening 154 to accommodate the end of the wire 98. The conductive material of the plate 152 is somewhat shorter than the insulating bar 153 to prevent 8 grounding of the plate 152 through the screws 149 or by contact with the end walls 12 and 13 of the drum. A central portion of the material of the plate 152 may be removed to define an opening 158 if a central screw 149 is used.

In FIG. 13, another electrode construction 161 is illustrated for transmitting current to laundry in the drum. The electrode 161 is similar to the two previous embodiments in that at least one and preferably three electrodes 161 are mounted on the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 in spaced relation from the bafiles and with an electrode between each adjacent pair of baffies. Structurally, each electrode 161 is similar to that of the electrode 151 in that the former comprises an elongated strip of conductive material 162, such as copper, platinum, or silver, plated on an elongated bar of insulating material 163.

Each electrode 161 is arcuate and is mounted on the inner side of the peripheral wall 11 so as to extend circumferentially, rather than axially, of the drum 10. Thus, each electrode 161 has an arcuate length somewhat less than the angular spacing between an adjacent pair of battles 140 and is preferably centered axially of the drum 10.

It should be understood while only one electrode 161 is shown mounted between each pair of the bafiles 140, more than one such electrode could be provided between each pair of bafiles 140 in axially spaced relation and suitably interconnected to function as a single electrode. Alternately, an electrode 161 of enlarged axial extent could be employed. Current is supplied to each electrode 161 in the same manner as with the electrode 151.

It should also be understood that the previously described electrode constructions may also be used in conjunction with a rotatable dryer drum having an electrically non-conductive surface, such as a porcelainized drum. If a drum of this type is employed, at least a pair of electrode means of the present invention would be required, one of which would be connected to one side of the dryness control system and the other to the other side thereof, preferably through a ground.

In all embodiments of the invention, the laundry during tumbling will contact one or more of the electrodes, and so long as the laundry is moist, current will be carried from the plates through the laundry to the drum. As the laundry dries, the current decreases and at a predetermined point of dryness the control system functions to shut off the dryer.

We claim:

1. In a laundry dryer including a drum having a peripheral side wall, an end wall, a tubular shaft connected to and extending outwardly from said end wall and rotatably journaled in a support, and an electrical control system responsive to the dryness of laundry in said drum for controlling the operation of the dryer, an electrode mounted in said drum for transmitting current from said control system to laundry in said drum, and an electrical circuit for conducting current from said control system to said electrode, said circuit including a first wire extending through said shaft, a second wire mounted on said drum and connecting said first wire to said electrode, and a commutator having a rotating part mounted on said shaft and connected to said first wire, said rotating part having a portion formed to provide a connection for said first wire and said shaft being provided with a pulley at its outer end for rotating said drum, said pulley having an opening permitting said first wire to extend therethrough for connection to said portion of said rotating part, and a stationary part adapted to be connected to said control system.

2. The combination of claim 1, in which said rotating part comprises a conducting plate rectangular in shape, and a corner of said plate is partially severed and bent to P idQ 1 5 for connection to said first wire.

9 10 3. The combination of claim 1, in which said stationary 2,991,641 7/ 1961 Woodling 34--45 part comprises a bracket secured to said support, said 3,059,203 10/1962 Hetrick 34-45 bracket having a strip of electrically conductive material 3,122,426 2/ 1964 Horecky 34-48 X mounted thereon and insulated from said support, and 3,180,038 4/1965 Chafee 3445 said strip has a contact engaging said rotating part. 5 3,186,105 6/ 1965 Nye et al 34-48 X 4. The combination of claim 3, in which said bracket 3,197,885 8/1965 Smith 34-45 includes an opening and a slot adapted to receive screws 3,210,863 10/1965 Nye et a1 34-48 X for securing said bracket to said support, said slot per- FOREIGN PATENTS mitting pivotal movement of said bracket with respect to said support to permit adjustment of the position of 10 877,553 9/1961 Great Bntalnsa1d contact with respect to sa1d rotating part. FREDERICK L-MATTESON Primary Examiner.

References Cited by the Examiner NORMAN YUDKQFF WILLIAM ODEA,

UNITED STATES PATENTS Examiners. 2,045,381 6/1936 Elberty 34- 55 15 W. o. EVERETT, D. A. TAMBURRO,

2,911,810 11/1959 Lantz 34-45 Assistant Examiners. 

1. IN A LAUNDRY DRYING INCLUDING A DRUM HAVING A PERIPHERAL SIDE WALL, AN END WALL, A TUBULAR SHAFT CONNECTED TO AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY FROM SAID END WALL AND ROTATABLY JOURNALED IN A SUPPORT, AND AN ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM RESPONSIVE TO THE DRYNESS OF LAUNDRY IN SAID DRUM FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE DRYER, AND ELECTRODE MOUNTED IN SAID DRUM FOR TRANSMITTING CURRENT FROM SAID CONTROL SYSTEM TO LAUNDARY IN SAID DRUM, AND AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR CONDUCTING CURRENT FROM SAID CONTROL SYSTEM TO SAID ELECTRODE, SAID CIRCUIT INCLUDING A FIRST WIRE EXTENDING THROUGH SAID SHAFT, A SECOND WIRE MOUNTED ON SAID DRUM AND CONNECTING SAID FIRST WIRE TO SAID ELECTRODE, AND A COMMUTATOR HAVING A ROTATING PART MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT AND CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST WIRE, SAID ROTATING PART HAVING A PORTION FORMED TO PROVIDE A CONNECTION FOR SAID FIRST WIRE AND SAID SHAFT BEING PROVIDED WITH A PULLEY AT THE OUTER END FOR ROTATING SAID DRUM, SAID PULLEY HAVING AN OPENING PERMITTING SAID FIRST WIRE TO 